Why Were Boston Authorities Arresting Farmers?

Boston authorities were arresting farmers primarily because these farmers were unable to pay their debts and taxes. This inability stemmed from their lack of means to transport and sell their crops, preventing them from generating income.

Economic Hardship and Legal Consequences

During this period, many farmers faced severe economic difficulties. Without effective ways to move their harvested crops to markets, they couldn't convert their agricultural produce into money.

• Lack of Income: The inability to sell crops meant farmers had no steady income.
• Mounting Debts: As a result, they accumulated significant personal debts.
• Unpaid Taxes: They also struggled to meet their tax obligations to the state.

When farmers could not fulfill these financial responsibilities, Boston authorities began to take punitive measures. These actions included not only arresting the farmers but also initiating foreclosures on their farms, dispossessing them of their land and homes. This dire situation highlights the severe economic pressures and the legal repercussions faced by agricultural communities at the time.